EU responds to possible US restrictions

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-17-2008 13:36

The European Union is warning that if the US goes ahead with tighter immigration procedures for EU citizens entering the US, it may also impose restrictions.

Friso Roscam Abbing, Spokesman of Commission for Justice. (CCTV.com)

That comes after the US Homeland Security Secretary claimed Europe may be a staging ground for terrorist attacks in the US.

Commenting on remarks from Washington, an EU representative said Europe understands US fears of terrorist attacks.

Friso Roscam Abbing, Spokesman of Commission for Justice, Leberty and Security, said, "That terrorism, unfortunately, is a permanent threat from which no geographical region, including the European Union and its 27 member states are exempt. So, it is true, it is a permanent threat."

But the EU isn't warming to the proposal of tighter restrictions for citizens entering the US.

Friso Roscam Abbing, Spokesman of Commission for Justice, Leberty and Security, said, "If the United States want to introduce an additional check, a light check, of European citizens, Vice President Frattini is very willing to consider - and the United States should be, of course, prepared - that this may also be asked from USA citizens who in their turn want to go to the European Union."

The US Homeland Security Department says Washington has no plans to start asking Europeans to apply for visas, but they could be required to register online before travelling to the US.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei